Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Melbourne shops, statues, street art and a station

We drove down to Melbourne and had a day and a half before flying to Perth, so this is what we crammed in. Lygon Street in Carlton is otherwise known as Little Italy and features a plethora of Italian restaurants. We had dinner in one of them and it was delicious. This area claims to be where Melbourne's cafe culture was born.

I took this photo for some of my ukulele fancying friends. And then I had a drink and a sit-down to recover.

Markov Place

Him Outdoors at Brother Burger and the Marvellous Brew

At Brunswick Street Cider House

Various churches and other imposing buildings line the streets. I'm not sure what any of them are, but I like the stonework.

This must be the Hyatt Church

There is a lot of public artwork in Melbourne too, which is a concept I like a lot. Chris Reynolds' History Apparatus - Vessel Craft & Beacon on Russell Street resembles some sort of brewing equipment, and as it opposite the James Squire Brewhouse, I'm going with that.

Matthew Flinders

Flinders Street Station

The gateway to Chinatown

Christmas decorations on Bourke Street

With mosaic tile flooring, a glass canopy and carved stone, the Block Arcade is a splendid example of a 19th-century shopping arcade. It also has a fine selection of shops and window displays.

The Royal Arcade is another Victorian era arcade with a high glass roof and a cornucopia of boutiques and gift shops. Pine statues of Gog and Magog flank Gaunt's clock and strike it every hour to produce chimes. They are modelled on two figures erected in Guildhall, London to symbolise the conflict between the ancient Britons and the Trojan invaders.

One of the delights of Melbourne is the laneway culture. narrow passages between buildings have been covered in street art (much of which is permitted) and are full of vibrant bars and restaurants.

Even the trams seem to be getting in on the act.

This tree is patiently waiting outside a building for a taxi to arrive

I love this statue of Three business men who brought their own lunch: Batman, Swanston and Hoddle by Melbourne sculptors Alison Weaver and Paul Quinn. It seems I am not alone as the hands of the gentlemen are polished from people holding onto them and apparently they comprise Melbourne's most photographed sculpture.

The Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemishpere and is quite the tourist attraction. It was heaving when we went so we admired the many stalls and then bought a couple of 'borek' - one with lamb; the other with potato and vegetables and sat outside munching them in one of the laneways. These Turkish treats made of thin flaky pastry are supposedly one of the cheapest, most popular and best lunches in Melbourne.

About Me

I love writing, singing, acting and directing. I drink wine and beer and do a bit of sport on the side - mainly triathlon although I love football too. I travel whenever I can and collect new experiences. My favourite colour is green or purple depending on my mood, and yes, I think the two go well together. I try to lead a balanced life but I keep falling off.